The grade of a chain is a rating describing the metal tensile strength of a product. Metal tensile strength is the force any metal can withstand before warping or breaking. Understanding the uses and limits of each grade is essential in selecting which grade is right for your purpose. There are many different grades of chain, here we will go over the eight most commonly manufactured, ordered from their base materials.

Vocabulary:

(WLL) - Working Load Limit - the maximum weight or force that a piece of lifting equipment is designed to handle during use.

Design Factor - a numerical value used in engineering and design to ensure that a structure or component is designed to handle loads and stresses beyond its expected working load limit. 

Stainless Steel Chain Grades:

G50 - 3:1 design factor (ASTM Spec A413)

(660lb-11,000lb) WLL

Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, G50 chain is ideal for use in marine, industrial, and outdoor applications where exposure to harsh environments, moisture, or chemicals is a concern. With a robust design, the G50 Chain delivers reliable performance for light-duty tasks, including cargo tie-downs, lifting, and rigging.Its corrosion-resistant properties make it especially suitable for marine environments or jobs requiring exposure to saltwater or harsh weather. Whether you're working in marine, industrial, or construction settings, the G50 Chain ensures strength, reliability, and long-lasting performance, in cases where high tensile chain isn't required. G50 chain is approved by OSHA for overhead lifting applications, although higher grade chain such as G80 is more often the better choice for its higher working load limit. 

G63 - 3:1 design factor (ASTM Spec A413)

(1400lb-9200lb) WLL

G63 chain is unique as its high quality stainless steel makes it extremely resistant to rust, heat, and chemicals, making it a common choice for industrial food processing purposes. Given its higher tensile strength than G50 chain, G63 is more often used in heavy-duty marine applications, where G50 is used for everyday applications. 

Carbon Steel Chain Grades:

G30 - 3:1 design factor (ASTM Spec A413)

(1,300lb-6,900lb) WLL

Also known as proof coil, G30 chain uses a low-strength carbon-steel. It's recommended as a general-purpose use chain, especially in cases where a high tensile strength isn't necessary. It is often used in agriculture, infrastructure as guard rails, and even in swing-sets. G30 chain is NOT rated for overhead lifting.

G43 - 3:1 design factor (ASTM Spec A413)

(2,600lb-13,000lb) WLL

Also known as high test chain, G43 is made of carbon-steel. It is is a versatile and durable solution for medium-duty applications. Made from carbon steel, this chain offers good strength and wear resistance, with a working load limit that suits a wide range of tasks such as tie-downs, logging, towing, and general industrial use. Its higher tensile strength compared to g30 chains makes it it a better choice for securing loads, although at least G70 is generally recommended for commercial cargo tie-downs. G43 is commonly used in agriculture towing, logging, and trucking. G43 chain is NOT rated for overhead lifting.

G70 - 4:1 design factor (ASTM Spec A413)

(3,150lb-15,800lb) WLL

Also known as transport chain, G70 chain is made of the highest strength carbon-steel. G70 chain is heat-treated during it's manufacturing process to give it the highest tensile strength of any carbon-steel chain. G70 is the go-to choice for truckers, loggers, securing large cargo, and the rest of the transportation industry.